I’m frequently asked to give advice about job searches, which puts me in an uncomfortable position: I want to be helpful, but I’m hesitant to offer advice based on my own initial forays into the field, which took place in a very different economic climate. My suspect that today’s graduates need to be flexible about their route into museum work, but what might those alternate paths actually look like? I started to hunt for people with first-hand experience in today’s job market wiling to share some words of wisdom. Today’s post is by Sophie Stein, who I met a couple of years ago when I was speaking at the Utah Museums Association conference and she was finishing her Master of Fine Arts degree at Southern Utah University. Her post-graduation job search took an interesting turn, and she agreed to share her story with CFM readers.
Graduation time approached quickly. Sleepless nights and gallons of coffee consumed to complete final projects on time are in the past. I am full of joy and confidence! I hold a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration degree and all of the doors will open for me. I’m graduating with a 3.9 GPA and an extensive list of professional experience. All that remains before me is sending my resume for the best qualifying position in my dream museum…
My name is Sophie and I live in Los Angeles – a city of great cultural diversity and endless opportunities for museum professionals and emerging arts leaders. My heart belongs to visual arts. I wanted to become an Arts Administrator because I loved the idea of providing cultural development support within a community setting. My ultimate career goal is to become a museum director and an exemplary art leader. If this does not sound like a clearly defined goal, then I do not know what does. Or at least I thought so just a few months ago, before I set my foot on the job search path.
Today I am happy and content working with a tech start-up organization that has developed a cultural engagement app for museum goers and art enthusiasts in the greater Los Angeles area. I work from home, or at the co-working places of Silicone Beach with my wonderful and inspired colleagues, building strategies and moving our company forward. How did I find my dream job? By simply opening my mind to greater opportunities, by going into a big world and asking – “what can I do for your professional development?” and not – “what can you do for mine?”. I decided not to wait until somebody discovered my talent or endorsed my skills, because this probably would not happen. Instead, I chose to share my passion and knowledge with other professionals and become a proactive member in the arts community. The degree provides you with the tools, but not with the job. Thinking the opposite was my biggest mistake. And now after embracing this knowledge I can pour coffee for myself, with cream and sugar.
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Smart advice — especially “what can I do for your professional development?” and not – “what can you do for mine?”
Best of luck in your new role!
As the VP of Digital Media at Antenna (not Ms. Stein’s employer), I just wanted to briefly comment on the opportunities that are available for those who work as interpretive media industry partners.
At Antenna, we have the amazing ability to work simultaneously with many wonderful museums across the world, and the experience one gains working with our museum partners is varied and unparalleled – small museums, large museums, history, art, science, botanical gardens, everything. Our content designers delve into the most amazing archives of historic research, our interactive designers take inspiration from ancient art to make apps that fit with today’s user experience, our sales team travels to our clients, our account managers develop deep relationships with museums over years and our marketing team shares the fruits of our labors with museum staff and visitors across the world.
Like Ms. Stein, many of our employees have graduate degrees in Arts Administration. So, if you too are looking for a fulfilling post graduate school opportunity, keep us in mind; we’d be thrilled to have you.
Sincerely,
Jessica
PS, a list of open positions can be found at Antennainternational.com/careers
You have offered some credible and positive advice, thank you. I too experienced difficulties landing my dream position following my arts degree. So much so, I have taken a voluntary position in a small, local museum alongside a completely irrelevant paid job! As you suggested, I hope to move to a larger city with more opportunities very soon.
Celine Goodson @ RMS Recruitment